OAKLAND — Two Bay Area residents are facing a possible 20 years in federal prison for allegedly trafficking meth and heroin they were acquiring from a source in Mexico, according to court records.

Dennis Magana and Vanessa Cabrerra were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, they face a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine, and anywhere from three years to a lifetime of federal probation.

The arrests are the result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that started in July, and involved a confidential informant who has worked with the U.S. Secret Service, according to the criminal complaint. Over the course of four months, DEA agents allegedly conducted controlled drug buys, monitored Magana’s cell phone and did surveillance on the pair.

During conversations with undercover DEA agents, Magana allegedly used the terms “black girls” as a code word to refer to black tar heroin, and say they were “ready to (expletive)” when the drugs were available for purchase. During some of the controlled buys, Magana allegedly referred to Cabrerra as his “money holder.”

Controlled buys occurred in Oakland, Emeryville and Daly City, according to the DEA. All told, the DEA “bought” more than a pound of heroin at 65 to 77 percent purity, as well as a pound of methamphetamines. Authorities say the pair used multiple cell phones to conduct their business and that others were involved in the drug ring.

According to court records, neither defendant has yet entered a plea, and both remain in federal custody.

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